Light Applicator Protective Sleeve for Needle Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light applicator systems for photodynamic therapy (PDT) are prone to having dangerously sharp applicator tips that can easily break off during handling, posing risks to users and patients.
Innovation Solution
A light plamer system with a protective sleeve that shields the sharp needle tip until actual puncture, featuring a positioning element for defined orientation and a miniaturized LED for light emission, reducing the need for expensive lasers and allowing for disposable, sterile use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sharp needle tip is used for tissue insertion, then insertion effectiveness is improved, but user safety and needle stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A protective sleeve is preliminarily positioned over the needle tip before insertion. The sleeve is designed to be removed or retracted only when the applicator is properly positioned in the receptacle, ensuring the sharp tip remains protected during handling and insertion preparation while becoming exposed only when needed for tissue penetration
2Ease of operation
If a sharp needle tip is used for tissue insertion, then insertion effectiveness is improved, but needle stability and resistance to breakage worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is preliminarily positioned over the needle tip to provide mechanical support and protection during handling. The sleeve prevents bending forces from being applied directly to the sharp tip, reducing the risk of breakage before the applicator is securely positioned in the receptacle
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective sleeve is added to protect the needle tip, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is designed as a nested component that fits over the insertion section with the needle tip. The sleeve is axially movable relative to the insertion section, allowing it to be positioned in different axial positions. This nested design provides protection without requiring separate handling mechanisms or complex assembly procedures
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective sleeve is added to protect the needle tip, then user safety is improved, but handling ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is designed to slide axially over the insertion section, providing smooth movement without mechanical interference. The sleeve's inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insertion section, allowing easy donning and doffing while maintaining protection during handling
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively protects users and patients from needle tip injuries, ensures reliable insertion, and reduces costs by eliminating the need for expensive lasers, while providing efficient PDT with reduced risk of tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
the needle tip (9) can be designed as a light-transparent diffusing body for scattering light emitted in a distal direction
Implementation Method 2
the light applicator has a distal insertion section with at least one active light-emitting element, e.g., an LED, at the distal end
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a light applicator system (31) for examining and/or treating an organic body (5). The light applicator system (31) has at least one light applicator (21) and a positioning element (33), and the light applicator (21) has a distal-side insertion section (1) comprising at least one element (7) which actively emits light on the distal end for piercing into tissue (3) of the organic body (5), wherein the insertion section (1) has a needle tip (9) which is arranged at least partly distally from the at least one element (7) that actively emits light and which tapers into a point in the distal direction, and the positioning element (33) can be at least temporarily fixed in a defined position and orientation relative to the organic body (5) and has at least one light applicator (21) receiving area (35), in which the at least one light applicator (21) at least temporarily has a defined orientation relative to the organic body (5). The light applicator (21) has a protective sleeve (39) which can be moved axially relative to the insertion section (1) and which protectively surrounds the needle tip (9) in a first axial position relative to the insertion section (1) and is moved back from the needle tip (9) in a proximal direction in a second axial position relative to the insertion section (1), said second axial position being determined by an axial position of the insertion section (1) relative to the positioning element (33). The protective sleeve (39) is used as an insertion sleeve for inserting into the at least one receiving area (35) of the positioning element (33).